Folding couch.



FQL [\NWRHL FOLDING C008. APPucmoa FILED mu: 2. 19:3. RENEWEH in 25. m5.

1,155,779. Patented 0015.5,1915.

.5 SHEETSSHEET I.

25 I ,4 20 a5 Q] A $.11 ANDREW. moms COUCH.

- AP LTCATi0 N FILED JULY 2,1923. muzww MAY 26, 1915..

Patented Oct. '5, 1915.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Hill F. L'. ANDREN. FGLDING COUQH.

APPLICATIOH HLED JUL-l 2, Hi3. RENEWED MAY 26.19%.

151555379. Patented Oct. 5, 1915.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3- FLL. ARDEEN.

- FOLDING COUCH.

APPLICATION men wLY 2.:913. RENEWED MAY 26,1915.

Patent-ed 00%, 5,1915,

' 5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

1 KILLER 275291677.

F, L. mum, FQLBENG COUCH,

APPLICATION FiLEi) JULY 2,1913- RENEWED fiAY 25, I915.

1,155,779 Patented Oct. 5,1915.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRITZ L.

ANDREN, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR '10 KARPEN & BROS, OF

GHICAGQ ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF WEST VIRGINIA. I

FOLDING COUCH.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patent-ed Oct. 5, .1915.

Applicationfil'ed July 2, 1913, SerialNor 77 6,897. Renewed May 26, 1915. Serial No. 30,663.-

To all ichom it may. concern:

Be it known that I, FRITZ L. ANDREN, a citizen of the United States. and a resident of the city of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Folding Couches: and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and-exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the numerals of reference marked-thereon, which form a part of this specification.

A great many folding couches have been constructed with a revoluble seat mounted upon companion plates attached to the couch frame, the seat guided in suitably shaped cam slots or grooves. Such constructions are opento certain objections for the trans latory movement of the seat is limited by the length of the slots in -the companion plates and very often this is undesirable, inasmuch as it is sometimes necessary to move the seat frame a certain distance during the rotational movement thereof in order that the-seat frame when moved to such position may afford a means of support for a sectional mattress frame connected thereto.

By my invention the objections to constructions involving the use of companion plates are obviated by connecting the seat frame to the couch frame by a series of links which, due to the operation and disposition of the sectionalmattress frame, permit easy operafion of the device intoopen or closed position, due to the balanced arrangement of the elements. p p

It is an objectof this invention to construct a, folding couch provided with a revoluble se at frame anda sectional mattress frame v connected thereto and to the couch frame adapted to be elevated into extended position when the seat frame is rota-ted from normal position.

It is also an object of this invention to construct a folding couch having a sectional foldable mattress frame adapted to be.;fo1d ed beneath the seat frame of said couch and suitably arranged links connecting said seat frame to, said couch frame to permit easy and proper manipulation thereof.

Itis. also an object of this invention to provide a folding couch having a plurality of mattress frame sections mounted thereon and with a revoluble seat linked to the couch frame and acting during the revolution thereof to operate said sectional mattressthe folding or unfolding operation of the device.

It is also an object of this invention to construct a folding couch, the scat frame of which is linked to the couch frame, together witha sectional mattress frame partly supported upon links connected to the seat frame, and to the couch frame, together with positively actuated means adapted to lock in position to support the mattress frame.

It is also an object of this invention to construct a folding couch provided with a revoluble seat frame having a linked connection connecting said seat frame and said couch frame, together with a foldable secinto extended position when the seat is inverted from normal position, and with connected pairs of supporting links secured to the seat frame and the couch frame;

tional mattress frame adapted to be elevated It is furthermore an object of this invention to construct a folding couch wherein a rotationalseat is linked to the couchframe and a sectional mattress frame foldable therewithin, together with resilient means connected to the couch frame and to the folding mechanism to assist in opening and closing the device.

It is finally an object of this invention to construct a device in which the linked mechak nism folds-in a manner to balance the de vice in all its positions, thereby'facilitating opening and closing of the same.

The invention (in a preferred form) is illustrated in the drawings, and hereinafter more fully described.

In the drawings: Figure 1, is a top plan view of a device in extended or unfolded the device'in folded or normal position,'with certain parts omitted. Fig. 6, is a front elevation of the seat frame when the same is in inverted position and supportedupon. the gravity legs. Fig. 7, is. a fragmentary detail partly in section illustrating the connection between the mattress frame and the seat frame. Fig. 8, is a fragmentary top plan view illustrating thelinked connection between the seat top and the mattress frame.

Fig. 9, is a detail showing the relation of the pivotally connected links connecting the seat frame and the couch frame, a portion of each of which is shown in'dotted lines.

Fig. 10, is a fragmentary rear elevation of i one end of the couch frame. when the mat tress frame is in extended position. Fig. 11, is. a fragmentary section taken on line 11-11' of F ig. 1. Fig. 12, is a side elevation of a modified form of a device illustrating the relation of the parts during a folding operation. Fig. 13, is aside elevation of a portion of the mattress frame, showing in dotted lines 'the position assumed by certain of the elements during a folding operation. F i 14, isa top plan viewthereof.

is shown in the drawings: a couch frame is denoted as a whole by the reference numeral 1, and is provided as usual with an upholstered back 2. and a front base board 3. The seat or seat frame 4, is suitably linked to the couch frame by .n eans of a bracket 5, secured on the inner surface of the base board 3, and a pair of links 6, and 7, at each end of the seat frame, the latter of which is pivotally connected to a bracket plate 8, secured upon the interior surface of the side walls at each end of the seat frame. Another pair of links numbered as 9 and 10 respectively are pivotally connected together and at their ends also in the respective bracketplates 5, and 8, beforemen' tioned. A pivot pin also connects the links .7 and 9, of the respective pairs, together.

This linked connection serves to properly elevate the seat frame during a rotational movement thereof, such as disclosed in Fig. 4, the position of the particular links already mentionedv for this position of the seat 'frame, being shown in detail in Fig. 9.

The foldable mattress frame consists of the main sections 11,12, and 13, linked together by the intermediate sections 14, and 15. Each side of the mattress frame is supported at four points, each of the sections 12, being pivotally mounted on the under side of the seat frame. The mattress 4 mounted on the upper end of said bracket plate 5, upon the same pivot to .which the 1 link 9, is connected. 1

For the-purpose of moving .the respective members 11, 11, 14, and 17-, into elevated position, a connecting rod 18,is connected upon the common pivot member 11, and at its other end is pivotally connected to the arm of the bell crank 16, so that as the sec tion member 12, is extended into proper horizontal position the members 11, and 14, are also alined therewith, being drawn upwardly into such position by the connecting i the innerextremity of; said section 11, is

. 95 spectively upon "the horizontal. and inclined provided with'a pin 23," which tracks reangle bars 24, and 25, secured on the inner surface of the end posts ofthe couch frame.

\Vhen the device is in, folded position said pin 23. rests upon the flange of the lower angle bar 24, and during the operation .of unfolding tracks rearwardly" thereon and after being elevated and with the continued unfolding of the mattress frame. tracks forwardly and upwardly upon the inclined angle bar 25, belng limited in its movement thereon by the book 26, formed integral U Thus when the mattress with said bar frame is extended it is supported at four points at each side thereof, such supports comprising the guide plate 25, links 16. and

17, and pivot member 11*.togetl1er with the positively actuated leg 19. When the seat frame is in a revolved position with the mattress frame extended the rear portion of said seat frame is supported upon the floor by the pivoted, gravity acting legs 27, which fall into position automatically and rest upon the floor when the seat frame is'so revolved.

For the purpose of assisting in opening and closing the device and to balance the weight thereof, a spiral tension spring 28. is secured at one of its ends at a fixed point near the back of the couch frame, and the other end of said spring is connected to a pivoted lever 29. which is connected upon the pivot pin in the upper end of the bracket plate 5. When the mattress frame is folded and the seat framereturned to normal position the pivot member 11*, strikes said pivoted lever 29, and bears downwardly thereon, thus supporting the mechanism against the tension of said spring 28, and when the seat. is finally returned to normal position said lever 29, is directed downwardly and outwardly', and held in such position against the tension of said spring by the weight of the folding mechanism thereon.

The lower connected ends of the support ing legs 19, are provided with a strap 30,

'which is providedv with a loop adaptedto engageon a button secured on the rear side of the seat frame when the respective sections 12, 13 and 15, have been folded inwardly, said' strap serving to prevent the linked mechanism from falling away from the seat. frame when the same is turned into normal position, and also insuring a positive movement therewith when the seat is inverted for the purpose of extending the mattressframe.

In the modifications illustrated in. Figs. 12, 13, and 14, the locking pin 22, has been dispensed-with, and in its place the link 14,

has been supplied with a triangular shaped web member 31, and instead of the notch in the portion 20, of said leg 19, the'extremity of said portion is turned inwardly substantially at a right angle as indicated by the reference numeral 32, so that .as the mattress frame is folded as shown in Fig. 13, said inturned member 32, rides upon the section .12, until the .juncti 'on with the link 14,is broken; said inturned portion 32, then engages ov'er the edge of said Web member 31, said portion 2-0, being confined between said web and said connecting rod 21, thus preventing the outer mattress frame section from falling away from the seat frame as the same is'returned to normal position.

The respective mattress frame sections 13, on'each' side of the device are connected integrally or otherwise by an end frame member 33, and a similar member 31, connects the respective sections 11. A wire spring 35,, adapted to support a mattress, is con- I nected 'at intervals to the. respective link members of the foldable mattress frame, and

of course, due ,to its flexible nature, in no .Wayinterferes with the folding or unfold ing of the device.

- to rotate about the various pivot points in the linkedconnections existing between said frame and the couch frame, and carrying the associated mattress frame sect ons therewith.

into alinement with the other .sections in a substantiallyhorizontal plane. The spring 28, which is normally under tension when the device is in normal position, greatlyassists in opening the device and serves to balance the mechanism in its most unstable position or when the seat frame is directed upwardlyfrom the couch frame, and is moving to or from the same, but when the device'is completely unfolded and the pivot members 11*, have swungout of contact with the le vers 29, the spring is under no tension. When it is desired to fold the device the end framesections 13, are,mov.ed upwardly and inwardly and the notch in the portion 20,

.of said leg'19, islatched upon the pin 22,

in the section 12, the folding movement serving to retract the supporting leg 19, into a position parallel and adjacent said sections 13. The strap 30, is then looped over the button 30, upon the seat frame, and theis reverted to normal position.

. I am aware that various details of con struction may be varied through a wide range without departing from the princi plesof this invention. Itherefore do not purpose limiting the patent granted otherwise than necessitated by the p'rior'art.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a device of the class described a couch frame, a seat frame, bracket plates on each of said frames, a-pair of. links .piv-' otally connected together and connecting the lower end of one of said bracket plates with .the upper end of the other of said bracket plates, another pair of-links pivoted together connecting the upper end of one set of said bracket plates with the lower end of the'other bracket plates, apivot connecting said pairs of links together, a link pivoted on the couch frame, a spring connected 'to said link and to-the couch frame,-a sectional mattress frame adapted to be extended when said seat frame is rotated and 1nverted'relative to said couch frame, and, when returned to folded position with said seat in normal frames-adapted to be extended when said seat frame is rotated and inverted relative said couch frame, and a plurality of separate tracking members for the rear. portion of said mattress frame.

'3. In adevice of the class described a couch frame, a seat frame, pivotal connections therebetween permitting rotational movement of said seat frame relative said couchframe, a sectional mattress frame.

connected on said couch and seat frames, a plurality of bracket plates secured on said couch frame, an angled'supporting member connected tonne of said bracket plates and to one of said mattress frame sections, and

- a plurality of links connected between said .relation upon said seat frame.

couch frame and'said seat frame to properly govern the movement of said seat frame in its rotational movement about said couch frame, onecf said links connected to the mattress frame at the same point as said angled supporting member.

4. In a device of the class described a couch frame, a seat frame, a plurality of pairs-of links on each side thereof connecting said frames together, a common pivot connecting each of said pairs of links together, a foldable sectional mattress frame connected to said seat frame andto said couch frame, actuating links and angled pivot members connected to said seat frame and to said mattress frame to properly position the same when. extended and supportthe san. upon said seat frame, and a positively ilkiiltlted leg connected on the outer end of said mattress frame to support the same. upon the fioor..

In a device of the class described a couch frame, a seat frame, a foldable mattress frame associated therewith, a positively actuated leg connected on the end of said mattress frame, a pin in one of said mattress frame sections, a notched extended portion integral with said positively actuated legs adapted to engage said pin to lock the outer mattress frame sections together in folded position, a button on said seat frame, and a flexible strap connected to said positively actuated legs adapted to engage said button to retain said mechanism in folded 6."In a device of the class described a couch frame, a seat frame linked thereto, a

'foldable sectional mattress frame associated therewith, a plurality of tracking members adapted to support and guide, one end of said mattress frame, in folded and extended positions respectively, connected links adapted to support said mattress frame Sections upon said seat frame when thesame is in and resilient means connected within the couch frame to receive the weight of the parts thereon when the same are folded and the seat is returned to normal position.

8. In a device of the classdescribed a seat frame, a couch frame adapted to support the same, pivotal connections between saidtwoframes, a sectionalmattressframe connected to said couch frame and to said seat frame adapted to be extended when said seat frame is rotated from within said couch frame to a point in front thereof, means supporting one end of said seat frame upon the floor when in rotated position, a plurality of hori zontal and inclined tracking means for the rear portion of said mattress frame, a lever and spring connected'to one another and connected within said couch frame to receive the weight of the parts thereon when folded and returned to normal position, radius links connected to said couch frame and to said mattress frame adapted to project the same upwardly when the same is unfolded, a positively actuated leg connected on said mat-- tress frame adapted to be extended and retracted with movement of the mattress frame section, and means on said leg and on a portion of said mattress frame to interlock with one another to retain the parts in folded position when the device is returned to normal.

9. In a device of the class described a couch frame, a seat frame, a sectional mattress frame connected to said couch and seat frame, links connected between said couch and seat and mattress frame adapted to permit rotational movement of said seat frame and extension of said mattress frame, radius links and inclined pivot members connected, on said couch frame and to certain of said mattress frame sections to project the same upwardly into alined position when the device is extended. resilient means connected entirely within the couch frame adapted to receive the weightof the parts thereon when the s'z'une are folded-and returned to normal and unstressed by the mattress frame or seat when the parts are extended, and means on said mattress frame adapted to interlock with said seat frame to hold the parts thereto when the sanreere returned to normal position.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses FRITZ L. ANDREN. Witnesses: LAWRENCE REIBSTEIN,

LEON M. REIBSTEIN. 

